The brand’s first hotel in Hokkaido brings its smart, next-generation design to Japan for the first time, in the heart of Sapporo’s most vibrant district.

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the opening of Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino, the brand’s first hotel in Hokkaido and its second Holiday Inn Express in Japan. Located in the heart of Susukino, Sapporo’s most famous entertainment and dining district, the 223-room hotel brings smart, comfortable travel to one of Japan’s most visited cities.

“Susukino never stops - it’s a neighbourhood full of energy, flavour and discovery, and we’re thrilled to open the first Holiday Inn Express in Hokkaido right at its centre,” said Kotake, Seiichi, General Manager of Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino. “Whether guests are here to explore the city, do business or simply enjoy Sapporo’s legendary food scene, we look forward to offering them a smart and comfortable place to rest and recharge.”

Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino is the first Holiday Inn Express in Japan to feature the brand’s Generation 5 (Gen 5) design. The Gen 5 concept introduces flexible, welcoming spaces built around the way today’s travellers move, work and unwind, with the Express Café at its heart, a relaxed, sociable spot where guests can start the morning with the brand’s signature free Express Start Breakfast. The design reflects the brand’s promise of smart simplicity, delivering comfort, connectivity and everything guests need without anything they don’t.

The hotel’s location places guests at the doorstep of Sapporo’s most vibrant quarter.

Susukino is the largest entertainment district in northern Japan, a lively maze of restaurants, bars and neon, home to the iconic Susukino Intersection and Ramen Alley. Beyond the neighbourhood, the wider city is easy to reach: the hotel is a five-minute walk from Susukino Subway Station while Odori Park, the Sapporo Clock Tower and the fresh seafood of Nijo Market all close at hand. As the gateway to Hokkaido, Sapporo also offers a springboard to the island’s wider draws from world-class powder snow in winter to cool, green escapes in summer.

The hotel offers 223 well-appointed rooms designed for a restful and productive stay, each featuring the smart, comfortable essentials that define the Holiday Inn Express experience. Guests will also enjoy complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, the Express Café serving complimentary Express Start Breakfast daily, a fitness centre and self-service guest laundry.